Most of what the employer wants from a candidate is all in the job description; use this information to your advantage! Have the job description in front of you as a road-map to prepare for your interview.
PAR Examples A key strategy for the job interview is to share short, true stories from your professional expe- rience that are directly related to the role. These stories, also called PAR Examples, will help you build credibility as a top candidate for the job. The PAR examples you choose will depend on your background and experience, plus the re- quirements of the relevant job description. Take your time crafting your PAR Examples. This is your evidence of why the company should hire you!
P = Problem or Project State a problem or challenge you faced on the job - a crisis, a project, an innovation you spearheaded, a major responsibility, or even an everyday responsibility you held at work
A = Action Clearly describe the action you took to solve the problem. Share your individual contribu- tions beyond those of the team
R = Result Using numbers whenever possible, share positive short-term & long-term results achieved
Technical Questions Anticipate technical questions by turning each of the main functions or responsibilities from the job description into “Tell me about your experience in...” Answer with a PAR example.
Behavioral Questions Anticipate behavioral questions by identifying, from the job description, people you would interact with (clients, colleagues, contractors, managers) and imagine possible scenarios. Common behavioral questions are: “Tell me about a time when you dealt with a difficult client” or “…when you faced a tight deadline”. Stay positive and answer with a PAR example. JOB INTERVIEW questions Read the tips for answering common interview questions, then practice crafting your response:
Tell me about yourself / Walk me through your resume • Have a short, 2-minute answer ready that is limited to work-related items only • Talk about jobs you have held and emphasize your relevant experience and achievements • Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present • Mention any current professional development, internship, or volunteer work in your field
What are your strengths? / Why did you apply? / Why should we hire you? • Choose 3 to 5 strengths (experience or skills) directly related to the job description • Prepare a PAR example to demonstrate each strength in case they ask you to elaborate • Mention your fit with the company or passion for the field; show enthusiasm for the role • Reference your language skills and international experience
What are your weaknesses? • Pick a real weakness that you have identified and are working on improving • Do NOT describe a weakness that is central to the job description • Do NOT mention your English skills or say that you have no weaknesses • End your statement with an explanation of how you are overcoming the weakness
Why do you want to work here? • Show that you have done extensive research about the employer before the interview; be aware of their history, goals, current position, and major players in the field • Describe the impact you wish to have on their outcomes and why it matters to you • Talk about your passion for the role, field, company, products/services, or type of clients JOB INTERVIEW questions Where do you see yourself in 5 years? • Research common career paths from this position • Show enthusiasm for the role and that you are looking for a company you can grow with • Express a desire to take on more responsibilities down the road • Do NOT say that you want to go back to school or move somewhere else.
What are your salary expectations? • Research the city-specific salary for this type of position and employer • Emphasize that your priority is to be back in your field • State your willingness to negotiate and provide a 10-thousand-dollar range • Be prepared to answer this question but do NOT bring it up first
Do you have any questions for me? • Have at least 3 questions ready for your interviewer(s) • Show your curiosity, eagerness to excel, and that you have done your research • Do NOT ask for information you could have easily found with a quick internet search
DO ASK DO NOT ASK Can you describe a typical day for this position? What does your company do? What’s your favorite part about working here? Can I adjust the job details, schedule, or salary? What’s the team like to work with? What are the benefits, pay, and time off policy? How would my performance be evaluated? Do you monitor email and internet usage? What are the biggest challenges for this position? Do you do background checks? Who are the most successful people here and why? When can I start applying for other jobs here? JOB INTERVIEW checklist
Before a job interview, check for the following:
Researched employer
Reviewed job description
Practiced answering and asking questions
Slept well and ate breakfast
Dressed professionally; avoided cologne, per- fume, and smoking
Arrived at least 15 minutes early
During a job interview, check for the following: Showed politeness and enthusiasm
Shook hands and made eye contact
Spoke calmly, clearly, and confidently
Responded with specific PAR examples
Asked at least 3 questions
After a job interview, check for the following: Requested interviewer’s contact information
Sent a thank you note within 24 hours